Rohit Sharma's Retirement Should Be Celebrated, Kapil Dev Explains Why

Kapil Dev and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]

Rohit Sharma will be retiring from the international game after India’s upcoming third ODI of the series against England, at least as per several unconfirmed reports that circulated earlier this week. 

While the legendary opener is yet to make an official announcement regarding the matter, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the 39-year-old will continue to play for India as long as he is in the "scheme of things". 

Earlier this week, several reports claimed that the cricketer will be making his exit since he is no longer in BCCI’s plans for next year’s 2027 ICC World Cup. 

As several cricket fans and experts continue to grapple with the emotional prospect of bidding farewell to one of India’s greatest players should he retire, former skipper Kapil Dev believes that Rohit’s retirement should be celebrated instead. 

Kapil Dev urges fans to celebrate Rohit Sharma’s outbound party

Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has urged Indian cricket fans to celebrate the outgoing party of legendary opening batter Rohit Sharma, regardless of when it may occur.

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While speaking with ANI, the 1983 World Cup-winning skipper said that Rohit has given Indian fans plenty to cheer about during his 19-year international career, and it is up to fans to spread that happiness when the 39-year-old steps onto the field for the final time in India colours. 

Kapil also cited the example of past legendary Indian cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and others for eventually bowing out of the game with grace.

He said, “No, let's say happy. Why sad? He has given us so much happiness over the years. Everybody has to go. Sunil Gavaskar gone, Rahul gone, Anil Kumble gone, Sachin gone. Everybody has to go. So, when he goes, we should celebrate his life. What a happiness, how much entertainment he has given to the country, not only to the country, but also around the world. We should be happy, why sad?”

Kapil Dev backs Rohit to score farewell hundred

Rohit Sharma has so far scored just 37 runs in two innings of the ongoing ODI series against England at a dismal strike rate of 54.41. He made a sluggish 26 off 47 balls at Cardiff a couple of days ago.

Despite struggling with form issues off late, the legendary Indian opener has been backed by Kapil Dev to score one final match-winning hundred in his farewell game. 

Kapil Dev said, “Yes, he has to go one day. I hope if he's going, he should get a hundred and go.”

Is Rohit Sharma retiring from the game?

It is worth noting that the former Indian skipper has already announced his retirement from Test and T20I cricket. 

While the seasoned pro has expressed his desire to play and win the 2027 ICC World Cup in South Africa next year, the 39-year-old was reportedly informed by the BCCI that he is no longer in their plans for the showpiece event.

On Saturday, July 18, that notion was rejected by none other than BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia himself who said that the legendary Indian opener "will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things." Saikia also added that the Lord's ODI wouldn't be his last match."

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